Absolute certainty Quote by Richard Stallman
“Without absolute certainty, what do we do? We do the best we can. Injustice is happening now; suffering is happening now. We have choices to make now. To insist on absolute certainty before starting to apply ethics to life decisions is a way of choosing to be amoral.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: 2015 FOSDEM Talk, Richard Stallman
We must act ethically despite uncertainty, choosing responsibility over indecision.
In simple terms: Act responsibly even when unsure.
Key Takeaway
Make ethical choices now.
Themes
ethics
uncertainty
responsibility
action
Mood
thoughtful
determined
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- policy making
- personal dilemmas
- activism
- daily choices
Key Concepts
moral philosophy
pragmatism
decision theory
Questions to Reflect On
- What ethical principle guides you when facts are unclear?
- How can you balance risk and responsibility?
A Different Perspective
Absolute certainty is unattainable; waiting can cause harm.
![“We do know, with absolute certainty, that [Saddam] is using his procurement system to acquire the equipment he needs in order to enrich uranium to build a nuclear weapon.” quote by Dick Cheney](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/cb4/dick-cheney-1810_absolute-certainty_we-do-know-with-absolute-certainty-that_363969.jpg)
